Okay. The thing that's killing me is the no alcohol portion of the first two weeks. I know I'll make it through, but I'm already thinking about being able to join my friends for a drink when the two weeks are up.

I'm so happy with my results thus far, so I don't want to really mess up once Phase II starts. So my question is, those of you in Phase II who drink alcohol-- (1) what do you drink; (2) I know low-carb beer is probably okay in moderation and calorie-laden mixed drinks are off limits, but what sorts of mixed drinks do you suggest; and (3) Is red or white wine better, or does it even matter?

I tried to find a thread on this, and I couldn't, so I hope this isn't a repeat for you all. If it is, sorry. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

I stay with red wine. I think even the low carb beer is a no no. But try it and see how it effects you, everyone is different.

Hi Overfedup,
I have to admit that I "cheated" during Phase 1 & had red wine on 2 occasions...I know you're not supposed to, but they were social occasions & I caved! I still lost 10 lbs in Phase 1 despite that...I would not, however, have more than one glass if you really, really want it...get one really good wine & savor it!
And Dr. A feels that RED wine is really the only acceptable, as it has a lower sugar content and has heart health benefits as well. In fact in Phase 2 he advises having 1 -2 glasses of red wine with a meal.
Too much of course will stall your weight loss, as would twinkies or white bread! LOL
Good Luck & welcome.
January

Here's what Dr A has to say about it (from SBD Newsletter)


Beer Drinkers' Guide to the Super Bowl


Maltose, the sugar produced from grains during the beer brewing process, has a higher glycemic index than white bread or table sugar. Beer, therefore, can cause large swings in blood sugar and insulin levels.

While one day of moderate beer consumption will unlikely cause you to grow a beer belly, it could bring back the cravings you've worked so hard to abolish. If you can't watch the game without beer, have a light beer or a beer with a low carbohydrate content. If you choose to treat yourself to a cold one, be aware that these types of beer still contribute calories. You'll also need to monitor your response, watching for the return of any cravings

LouBelle - thanks for the official opinion! That's great to know - or maybe it just ruined beer, not sure?

I will only discuss wine because I don't really partake in the brew - so red wines are all very different. I would recommend that if you can see the RS(residual sugars) on the label that will help significantly. There are indeed red wines (especially blends) that will throw in to make the filler. I would say that a nice glass of cabernet savignon will probably be fine almost every time.

We have about 8 cases of wine in our house. I am too afraid to partake, but please let us know how it is!

thank you so much for this thread, i tend to keep my personal health choices private (like SBD) and when my friends notice I am not drinking they say things. Not mean things, if I say something, then a philosophical discussion about how these types of eating plans don't work. Do not need that of un-support!

I love good red wine and thanks for the tip on looking for residual sugar

I went to my fave low carb store and purchased a sugar free drink mix it was.....
(Be right back have to go look in the fridge lol)

Baja Bobs sugar free drink mixes, I purchased the wild strawberry margarita mix, mix it up with your choice of hard alcohol and ice in a blender and wala a sf drink. Baja Bobs has different flavors you can get. However it's been so long, I can't remember all of the choices.

Red wine is also a good choice to.

Sugar free drink mixes! Who knew?!

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I will start Phase II a week from today, and I am hoping to control my alcohol intake, and all of these suggestions are definitely going to help.

I completely understand about keeping health/diet choices to yourself. I try to do the same thing. Then everyone freaks out about why you're not having a beer with them at happy hour. But I found that once I said, I'm on SB, and I'm not drinking alcohol for two weeks, end of discussion, they all sort of shut and complied.

In fact, I've been the designated driver twice now and it's been quite a weird experience, since I'm usually one of the girls who's doing the drinking. But on Friday, everyone went to Happy Hour at 4:30, and it lasted through dinner, and two other bars, and ended at 1 a.m. -- and I didn't have a *single* drink. Just diet coke and water. So that was a major accomplishment!

I figure if I can do that, I can do anything. In fact -- I think I deserve a dancing banana!